Broody Hen Thread!

[csaylorchickens]

OMG I have had 3 of my 4 faverolle hens go broody and they are just at a year old what a pain in the butt if you don't want a broody hen

I have her in the broody breaker: galvanized dog crate with good and water and a small perch. I hope she breaks this behavior soon! I think last time it look 3 days.

Any other tips to snap a hen out of behavior

 

[fisherlady]

OMG I have had 3 of my 4 faverolle hens go broody and they are just at a year old what a pain in the butt if you don't want a broody hen

I have her in the broody breaker: galvanized dog crate with good and water and a small perch. I hope she breaks this behavior soon! I think last time it look 3 days.

Any other tips to snap a hen out of behavior

There are only a few methods, with the wire cage being the most effective in general..some say cool water baths, others have said they break them by restricting coop access during the day..

I understood Faverolles to be a broody prone breed, so you may be fighting a loosing battle with their hormones.
If you don't want, or can't have a broody because of coop restrictions or other reasons then the easiest solution is to concentrate on non-broody prone breeds. There are no absolutes, but many breed traits are strong enough it can help minimize the chances of getting a broody. A reputable breeder or hatchery should be able to provide info regarding how broody prone their own stock is.

 

[csaylorchickens]

There are only a few methods, with the wire cage being the most effective in general..some say cool water baths, others have said they break them by restricting coop access during the day..

I understood Faverolles to be a broody prone breed, so you may be fighting a loosing battle with their hormones.
If you don't want, or can't have a broody because of coop restrictions or other reasons then the easiest solution is to concentrate on non-broody prone breeds. There are no absolutes, but many breed traits are strong enough it can help minimize the chances of getting a broody. A reputable breeder or hatchery should be able to provide info regarding how broody prone their own stock is.

Thank you for your reply. I have 6 buff orpington chicks that are almost 4 weeks old. I am debating if I should rehome my faverolle because of the broodiness. I don't mind it but they don't make eggs when they are broody and that's why I got chickens. I can have only 8 max, so I will be giving up a few hens in the next 3 months and probably 2 of the 4 faverolles. While their temperament is wonderful broodiness seems to be huge lol

 

[Wannabechiklady]

Did she accept the chicks?? Some hens would kill them.

Yes, she did accept them! She is being a sweet little protective momma to them! I watched carefully to make sure she would take them. I had plans to intervene and keep them in a brooder by themselves, if she did not.

 

[csaylorchickens]

There are only a few methods, with the wire cage being the most effective in general..some say cool water baths, others have said they break them by restricting coop access during the day..

I understood Faverolles to be a broody prone breed, so you may be fighting a loosing battle with their hormones.
If you don't want, or can't have a broody because of coop restrictions or other reasons then the easiest solution is to concentrate on non-broody prone breeds. There are no absolutes, but many breed traits are strong enough it can help minimize the chances of getting a broody. A reputable breeder or hatchery should be able to provide info regarding how broody prone their own stock is.

Could I see if she would adopt the chicks and she can raise them until they are ready for the coop?

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have her in the broody breaker: galvanized dog crate with good and water and a small perch. I hope she breaks this behavior soon! I think last time it look 3 days.

Any other tips to snap a hen out of behavior

3 Full day in the wire bottom cage with nothing to lay on usally does it. Not that they want start being broody again in a few weeks(might, might not), but 3 more days usually takes care of that again. Goos Luck!

 

[fisherlady]

Could I see if she would adopt the chicks and she can raise them until they are ready for the coop?

The window on adoption is usually between hatch and 4 days, with success rate falling even after 1 day old. The chicks get used to the brooder box and view the hen as scary and don't understand the idea of crawling under her as being safe.
If they are young enough to imprint on her then it would be a good plan if she has been broody for a couple of weeks, if she has the right personality and you have time to monitor them for a while it is worth a try.

 

[fisherlady]

Could I see if she would adopt the chicks and she can raise them until they are ready for the coop?

I just reread your post and see the BO chicks are nearly 4 weeks old...I don't think they would work with the hen at that age....

 

[csaylorchickens]

Yeah that seems about right I showed her the Chick and she pecked it hard 3 times so I pulled it away.
Too bad she didn't go broody at the right time lol

 

[nchls school]

Some breeds never or rarely go broody. In over 25 years I have never has a RIR go broody, but I always sell them by the time they turn 2, so I do not know if they would have as they got older. I also so far have never had a white-leghorn go broody either. Rarely a barred rock, again I never keep them past 2 years old.

Age does not seem to play a part in broodiness; I have had numerous hens go broody before they were a year old; some multiple times before one year of age.